This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is soft, fluffy, and bursting with savory flavors. Infused with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan, this golden, crusty bread is easy to make and perfect as a side, for sandwiches, or simply served warm with a drizzle of olive oil. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, this simple recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
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1½ teaspoons salt
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1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
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1 tablespoon sugar
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¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary (optional)
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Flaky sea salt, for topping
Directions
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Mix the Dough: In a bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour and salt, then mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes or by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
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First Rise: Coat the dough with olive oil, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
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Prepare Garlic Oil: Grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil with minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Set aside.
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Stretch and Second Rise: Transfer the dough to the pan. Gently press it into the corners. If it resists, let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
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Add Toppings and Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the dough with your fingers, brush with garlic oil, sprinkle with Parmesan, herbs, and sea salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.
Nutrients
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Calories: ~220 per serving
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Carbs: 33g
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 2g
Why Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Works So Well
Focaccia bread is loved for its light, airy texture and versatility. This version is infused with garlic and topped with freshly grated Parmesan, creating a flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. The dough, which is made with a combination of all-purpose flour, yeast, and olive oil, rises to create a soft, pillowy texture that is ideal for tearing and dipping. The addition of garlic oil and Parmesan on top gives the bread an extra burst of flavor, making every bite a savory experience.
The simplicity of this recipe is another reason it’s so popular. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a delicious, bakery-quality bread right in your own kitchen. The hands-on prep time is minimal, and with just two rises, the process is quick enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough to serve at special occasions.
The Dough: Soft and Fluffy
The dough for this focaccia is made from all-purpose flour, instant yeast, water, sugar, and salt, which come together to create a soft, slightly sticky dough. Instant yeast is used for convenience, as it doesn’t require proofing, so the dough can be mixed and kneaded quickly. The sugar in the dough helps feed the yeast, ensuring that the bread rises well and has a slightly sweet flavor that balances the savory garlic and Parmesan topping.
Kneading the dough helps develop the gluten, which is key for creating the light, airy texture of the focaccia. If you’re using a stand mixer, a dough hook can be used to knead the dough for 5–6 minutes. If kneading by hand, it will take about 8–10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic when it’s done.
First Rise: Soft and Pillowy
After the dough is kneaded, it’s placed in a bowl coated with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. This first rise is crucial because it allows the yeast to ferment, producing carbon dioxide and creating the light texture that focaccia is known for. The dough should look puffy and airy once it’s ready to be shaped.
Garlic Oil: Fragrant and Flavorful
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the garlic oil. In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, which usually takes about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. This garlic oil is then brushed onto the focaccia dough before baking, infusing the bread with rich, garlicky goodness.
Second Rise: Shaping the Dough
Once the dough has risen, it’s transferred to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Gently stretch and press the dough into the corners of the pan, making sure it’s evenly spread. If the dough resists, let it rest for 10 minutes before stretching it again. This resting period allows the dough to relax and makes it easier to shape. After it’s stretched, cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 30–45 minutes. This second rise helps the dough expand and become even fluffier as it bakes.
Adding Toppings and Baking
Before baking, use your fingers to dimple the dough, creating little pockets that will catch the garlic oil and help the bread develop a crispy, golden crust. Brush the dough with the prepared garlic oil, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can also sprinkle dried Italian herbs or chopped rosemary if desired. Finally, finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and has a crisp exterior. The result will be a golden, crusty focaccia with a fragrant, garlicky aroma that fills your kitchen.
Serving and Garnishing
Allow the focaccia to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice the focaccia into squares or wedges and serve warm. If you like, drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving to enhance the richness.
This focaccia is perfect as a side to a hearty meal, such as pasta, soups, or salads. It’s also fantastic on its own, served with a side of olive oil for dipping or used to make sandwiches. For an extra touch, you can garnish with additional fresh herbs like rosemary or basil.
Nutritional Breakdown
Each serving of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia contains approximately 220 calories, making it a satisfying yet not overly indulgent treat. With 33g of carbohydrates, this bread provides a good source of energy. The 9g of fat, including 2g of saturated fat, comes from the olive oil and butter used in the dough and garlic oil, providing richness without being overwhelming.
The bread also contains 5g of protein, largely from the flour and Parmesan, as well as 1g of fiber, which helps balance the carbohydrates. The sodium content is around 650mg per serving, which is moderate, but you can adjust the amount of salt based on your preference.
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Indulgent Bread
In conclusion, Garlic Parmesan Focaccia is an easy-to-make, indulgent bread that brings savory flavor and a delightful texture to any meal. With its soft, fluffy interior and golden, crispy exterior, this focaccia is the perfect addition to your dinner table. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan creates a rich, aromatic flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes, or can be enjoyed on its own. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply as a side, this focaccia will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.